News & Events

Science Debunks a Decades-Old Myth About Drinking Milk
April 1, 2023 | Inverse
“Consuming dairy, like cow’s milk, is not culturally included in all dietary patterns,” says Michelle Averill, a nutritional sciences professor at the University of Washington School of Public Health. “So it’s an assumed acculturation recommendation to say, ‘Drink milk.’”
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Nutritional Sciences hosts open house to kick off spring quarter
March 27, 2023
The University of Washington Nutritional Sciences Program will host an open house during the first few weeks of spring quarter 2023, welcoming faculty, staff, and students from the School of Public Health to drop by for refreshments, connecting with colleagues, and for an amazing view of the blossoming cherry trees on the Quad from the...
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Spring webinar for UW students explores career opportunities in food systems
March 27, 2023
Save the date of April 5, 2023 to attend a webinar hosted by the North American Food Systems Network (NAFSN) University of Washington Student Chapter in collaboration with NAFSN, the national professional development association for people working together to promote resilient local and regional food systems in the advancement of equity and healthful food access...
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Food Systems scholars for 2022-23 recognized
March 27, 2023
Congratulations to University of Washington students who have received scholarships for the 2022-23 academic year, funded from the Food Systems, Nutrition and Health Major Fund. This fund was established by dedicated alumni and friends of the Nutritional Sciences Program to support the Food Systems Major. This year’s outstanding scholarship recipients were selected for their excellent...
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UW dietetic interns explore sustainable diets
March 8, 2023
March is National Nutrition Month and the theme for 2023 is “Fuel for the Future,” an invitation by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) encouraging each of us to eat with sustainability in mind. This means choosing foods that are tasty, nourishing, and foods that also protect the environment.
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Survey shows food insecurity remains high in Washington state
March 8, 2023 | KOMO News
UW associate professor Jennifer Otten was interviewed in this video and article from KOMO News about the recent results from the WAFOOD survey the impacts on low income households, particularly those with children. How Washingtonians are copying with food and fuel costs is highlighted.
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How WA food banks are handling a hunger cliff
March 8, 2023 | KUOW
The state of food insecurity in Washington state, as changes in federal law that will end $95 million a month in food assistance. Recently published new data from a UW and WSU survey highlights that food insecurity was highest in households made up of people of color, families with children, and among renters.
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Fund food insecurity response in WA — and demand national fix
March 6, 2023 | Seattle Times
Editorial featured in Seattle Times highlights legislative House bill 1784 which provides aencies charged with making sure those who are food insecure are asking the state for an emergency infusion of $28 million to help increase inventories at food banks and other agencies purchasing food and supplies, help manage storage facilities, food delivery and logistics, and maintain outreach to those who may not have access or know about such services.
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Food insecurity remains high in Spokane and statewide, UW-WSU survey shows
March 5, 2023 | The Spokesman-Review
Dr. Marie Spiker is quoted in this article which highlights the increasing costs of groceries and cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Food Assistance Program (SNAP), and the most recent data from the WAFOOD survey conducted by UW and WSU in December 2022 – January 2023.
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Food insecurity persists in WA, just as emergency benefits expire
February 28, 2023 | Seattle Times
Story provides insight into the region’s looming hunger relief problems citing new data from the UW & WSU WAFOOD survey, and the concern that pandemic-era meal assistance benefits run out this week.
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